The Department of Transport in Abu Dhabi (DoT) today announced its masterplan for public bus transport in Al Ain at the newly opened city centre bus station. The masterplan is part of DoT’s long term programme to decrease dependency on private vehicles and reduce road congestion by providing integrated high quality public transport services and enhanced passenger facilities across the emirate.

Eight local Al Ain bus routes will be operational by the end of the year, with a further nine routes planned for launch in 2010, bringing the total to 17. By the end of 2009, 100 buses will be serving the passengers of Al Ain, each carrying the city’s distinctive orange livery, with this number rising to 134 in 2010. In total, 350 buses will be operational by Q4 2011, ensuring frequent services. The new buses are designed to be accessible for all passengers, including passengers with special needs.

Today’s announcement coincided with the opening of a new bus station for Al Ain, providing passengers with a cool building in which they can escape the summer heat. With seats for 114 passengers, plus an additional 24 seats in a women’s only waiting area, the new station offers customer service, up-to-date route and timetable information, with televisions and hot and cold drinks also available.

Saeed Al Hameli, General Manager, Public Bus Office, Department of Transport in Abu Dhabi, said:
“The Department of Transport is committed to developing a reliable, comfortable and integrated transport system for people across the emirate. One year on from the launch of our first buses, we continue to make improvements, with new routes, new facilities and increased service frequency. For the people of Al Ain, this is just the beginning.

“We’re making travelling by bus easier, quicker and more accessible - and of course a lot cooler, with the opening of the new bus station. By the end of the year, Al Ain passengers will really notice a difference, and we’ll all be seeing a lot more of those orange buses all over the city.”

Last week also saw the launch of the new improved Al Ain–Abu Dhabi intercity service, running every 30 minutes throughout the day from 6am to 11.00pm. A further three intercity routes will launch in 2010, connecting Al Ain with Abu Dhabi Airport, Dubai and Sharjah.

The eight Al Ain routes launching in 2009 are:
• Route No 910 - Ramlat Al Ra’ai, IAT <>Al Foa’a;
• Route No 930 - Hili Park <>Al Bateen
• Route No 940 - Al Towayya <> Bawadi Mall
• Route No 945 - Airport <> Bawadi Mall
• Route No 950 - Al Maqam <> Bawadi Mall
• Route No 970 - Al Bateen <> Mubazzarah
• Route No 975 - Al Nabbagh <> Zakher
• Route No 980 - Tawam Hospital <> Ain Al Fayda

All routes will run every 30 minutes during peak hours in 2009, with planned services to run every 15 minutes during peak periods in 2010. Frequencies will increase to every 10 minutes on key routes by 2011.

Al Ain passengers can call the toll free 24 hour public bus information line, 800 55555, for detailed information on routes and timetables.

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